I got an exciting email yesterday from a friend I haven't spoken to in a while: he's thinking of going vegan (or at least vegetarian)! He said, "right now, I'm trying to transition away from meat and a generally crappy diet over the last couple of weeks. I've cut down to just lean turkey and will probably go completely meatless by Wednesday...Part of the reason I'm planning this is that I'm fighting in a boxing tournament at the end of March, so I'm looking to lose some weight, but I also need to keep my strength and energy."
I am thrilled, especially since he contacted me for advice. But I would love your insight too, so I can give him some really well-rounded tips.
#1 resource right now would be PCRM's 21 Day Vegan Kick Start
Here are his questions:
- Are there any good books or resources for beginners? (I suggested The Kind Diet, since it's half recipes and half informational; and Skinny Bastard (though I haven't read that)
- Beef and chicken is a big part of my current diet, so I'm going to need to replace it with something... (I suggested Gardein and some Morning Star products since they're similar to meat in taste/texture/appearance and easy to find)
- Is it possible to eat a vegan diet without spending ridiculous amounts of money on your food and/or spending ridiculous amounts of hours in the kitchen? (I said yes, and he could find inexpensive options at Trader Joes, Ralphs markets, and many food chains)
- Do you know many or any athletes who are vegan? (I pointed him to Brendan Brazier & VEGA supplements and Robert Cheeke)
What else would you suggest for him? Please leave your suggestions in the comment section below, and I will pass them on to him.
Some of you have messaged me separately and said:
- "Definitely Gardein, take him to Veggie Grill to see how good it can taste, bayou chicken sandwich. Seitan too, that helped me transition."
4 comments:
I suggest you don't just try and replace the meat content of a meal with a veggie alternative. There are a HUGE number of veggie/vegan recipes on the Internet, so Google away!!! I've been veggie for over 35 years, and feel great, both mentally and physically, unlike most of my meat eating friends.
Best wishes.
Martin - New Zealand
http://kaimanga.co.nz
First of all, congrats! But it doesn't say anywhere how old you are, or how much meat you've eaten traditionally. I caution anyone making this transition to go slowly! Meat can be extremely toxic over time and it can put your body into a real healing crisis if you go veggie too fast. Particularly if you're working out a lot, take precautions, support the de-tox process, and pay attention to your body's wisdom! You are going to have to dump x number of years' build-up in your GI tract, liver, and fat cells... That's a lot of work, especially for an athlete! Good Luck!
I enjoyed Michael's tips here
http://crazysexylife.com/2010/3287-days-of-veganism/
And I agree with Skinny Bastard as a good resource. If he's workout-inclined, hemp and/or pea protein are good substitutes for the whey and other junk.
Vegan athletes include the Montreal Canadiens' bruiser Georges Laraque, NFL player Tony Gonzales, martial artist Mac Danzig, former NBAer John Salley, and tons more.
This post came at the perfect time for me, as I am slowly going vegetarian. These tips will realy help me transition to a meat-free lifestyle!
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